Ensuring equal access to justice is a cornerstone of democracy, trust in institutions and sustainable development. Around the world, millions of people experience legal needs and justice problems every day, yet, too often, justice systems remain complex, fragmented or out of reach. 

This Toolkit responds to countries’ demand for practical guidance on how to turn the 2023 OECD Recommendation of the Council on access to justice and people-centred justice systems into concrete action. Drawing on global evidence, case studies and good practice, the Toolkit provides governments, justice institutions and practitioners with practical guidance to make justice more responsive to people’s needs. 

Structured around five pillars – purpose and culture, service design and delivery, governance infrastructure, people’s empowerment, and evidence-based planning – the Toolkit offers self-assessment questions, checklists and examples from various countries. It highlights how data, innovation and collaboration across sectors can improve legal empowerment, reduce barriers to access, and ensure justice services are fair, inclusive, effective and affordable. 

The Toolkit underscores that delivering people-centred justice is a practical necessity for resilient societies. The resource is intended for policymakers, judges, lawyers, legal aid providers, civil society and all those working to make justice systems more people-centred.